Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the future development of TG4 with particular reference to its independence and programme choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5725/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Government agreed at its meeting in July 2006 to establish TG4 as an independent body from 1 April 2007 as provided for in Part VI of the Broadcasting Act 2001. This Act provides that Teilifís na Gaeilge shall establish and maintain a national television station which shall have the character of a public service and be made available, in so far as it is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland.

Teilifís na Gaeilge's function is to:

Provide a comprehensive range of programmes, primarily in the Irish language, that reflect the cultural diversity of the whole Island of Ireland and include programmes that entertain, inform and educate, provide coverage of sporting, religious and cultural activities and cater for the expectations of those of all age groups in the community whose preferred spoken language is Irish or who otherwise have an interest in Irish.

Provide programmes, primarily in the Irish language, of news and current affairs

Provide coverage of proceedings in the Houses of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament

Facilitate or assist contemporary cultural expression and encourage or promote innovation and experimentation in broadcasting

TG4 will continue to receive grant aid from the Exchequer to fund their operations in 2007, along with the income they receive from advertising.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the funding available to TG4 due to development proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5726/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Government agreed at its meeting in July 2006 to establish TG4 as an independent body from 1 April 2007 as provided for in Part VI of the Broadcasting Act 2001. TG4 will continue to receive grant aid from the Exchequer to fund their operations in 2007, along with the income they receive from advertising.